Eight Texas kids are among the 60 competing in the Jimmys. In addition to our local six -- Emily Emmett and Michael Williams from the DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards, Myles Phillips and Chloe Voreis of the Betty Buckley Awards and Drew Shafranek and Emily McIntyre of the Schmidt and Jones Awards, Texas is also represented by Houston's Tommy Tune winners Billy Cohen and Caitlin Finnie

It’s Day 3 for our teens competing in the National High School Musical Theater Awards, or Jimmys, in New York. Here’s a brief diary courtesy of the kids and their chaperones:

WEDNESDAY: Day 1

From Emily McIntyre, Schmidt and Jones winner after the first day’s loooong rehearsal:

We have already hit the ground running here in NYC. Chloe and Myles are staying focused and excited. We had a very fun cab ride from the airport yesterday. The cab drive misunderstood us and thought we were coming for a computer competition. Driving through the city was a thrill for the students. Once we got to NYC we grabbed a quick snack, and then headed to the meet and greet pizza party at [NYU's] Tisch School of the Arts… they learned 10 pages of music for the opening number of the Jimmys and got put into their medley groups.

THURSDAY: Day 2

From Michael Williams, DSM Best Actor winner:

Today was absolutely spectacular! We started early with an 8am breakfast and went straight into rehearsal. We worked on our solo today and I am so lucky to get to work with Leslie Odom Jr. who is currently starring on the hit NBC show Smash.

As rehearsals came to a close, we changed our clothes for a big evening. We went to the famous restaurant “Sardi’s” just off Times Square. And Emily [Emmett, DSM Best Actress winner] will agree with me, they had the BEST cheesecake.

We also got the opportunity to meet Michael McGrath who is currently playing “Cookie McGee” in Nice Work If You Can Get It (the show we were going to see later that evening!).

To end the day, we got to see the the hysterically funny Nice Work If You Can Get It with Matthew Broderick and Kelli O’ Hara. After the show, we had the opportunity to ask the cast questions.

Thursday at lunch actors were treated to a talk back with some impressive Broadway talent: 2- time Tony nominated star Liz Calloway, who was also voice of Kiara in Lion King Simba’s Pride, Jasmine in Return of Jafar and Anya in Anastasia, Broadway veterans Leslie Odom Jr. who has also recently appeared on television and Smash and the big screen in Red Tails, Tony-nominated Broadway actor Michael McElroy, and Telly Leung seen on Broadway DSM’s Flower Drum Song, the revival of Godspell, and on television in Glee.

Tony winner, Kelly O’Hara, and veteran Estelle Parsons speak to us after the show. They were generous in answering all our questions about performing and encouraged the young artists to pursue their dreams.

Today the students rehearse all day long, and only stop for meals. At lunch today they had an interview session with Christian Borle from Smash and Peter and the Starcatcher. He had a lot of interesting things to say and the students loved it. Tonight is a dress parade to finalize all costumes for the Jimmys!